Calley Means & Kyle Diamantas: On MAHA, Food Dye Reform, GRAS Loopholes & US Food Crisis | TUH #260

Cali Means emphasized that while the government has not had consumers' backs due to incentivizing ultra-processed foods, the awakening must happen from the bottom up. He urged listeners to be conscious of what they eat, read food labels, and try to eat minimally processed food. He noted that cooking at home can be very affordable and that collectively these choices will change the food system. Kyle added that consumers have more power than regulators, as companies are responsive to wallets. Multiple examples were given: flight attendants noticing a shift to sparkling water away from soda, and supermarkets reporting increased sales of beans, whole protein, and produce. The protocol is about personal responsibility aligning with the MAHA movement's goal to reshape the food environment.

Cali stressed that most people don't call, so even a small volume of calls can tip legislative outcomes. He cited 30 states that have passed MAHA bills on topics like cell phones in schools, school lunches, and food dyes, all driven by 'MAHA moms' calling local legislators. Kyle reinforced that engagement in the public process—whether calls, letters, or comments—has tangible impact. The underlying message is that while regulatory change takes time, direct citizen pressure on elected officials accelerates the movement and makes policies durable.

Kyle Diamantas, head of human foods at FDA, explained that the agency's food chemical safety work now includes a new post-market office. For decades, FDA's approach was reactive: it acted only when prompted by a citizens' petition, an outbreak, adverse event reports, or congressional inquiry. Once an additive was in the food supply, it effectively stayed there. That system failed to keep up with evolving science and mounting evidence of harm. Under Secretary Kennedy and President Trump, FDA has stood up a robust framework for systematic post-market review. The process is designed to be science-based, transparent, and formalized through rule-making and public comment, so future reviews are part of a durable regulatory structure. Kyle noted that this move has the potential to become a lasting institutional change, ensuring that ingredients approved 30–50 years ago are not exempt from modern safety scrutiny. This shift is a cornerstone of the MAHA initiative to prevent chronic disease by fixing the original safety oversight gap.

The segment was sparked by Gary Brecka's personal story of a friend with colon cancer being served Jell-O with red dye and a sugary ginger ale at Mayo Clinic, leading to a viral post by his wife. Cali Means explained that HHS asked why the government pays hospitals over a trillion dollars while they serve food that fuels the chronic diseases accounting for 90% of that spending. The solution: CMS can issue letters and conditions of participation linking payments to nutritional standards. On the day of recording, Florida hospitals were making voluntary commitments, spearheaded by Nicklaus Children's Hospital, to serve food aligned with the dietary guidelines—emphasizing fresh produce, whole proteins, whole grains, and reducing sugars and ultra-processed foods. Kyle noted that hospital CEOs welcomed the nudge, acknowledging the contradiction. Cali framed this as a public-private partnership flywheel: regulation nudges, voluntary commitments follow, and the market shifts, benefiting not just patients but the millions of Americans who eat in hospital cafeterias daily.

Kyle Diamantas detailed Operation Stork, noting that infant formula is regulated closer to a drug than a food due to its critical role. The last comprehensive nutrient assessment occurred in 1998 but resulted in no changes, meaning standards are decades behind nutrition science. This year, FDA issued a request for information, receiving input from researchers, parents, industry, and foreign regulators. The goal is to modernize nutrient requirements through formal rule-making. Simultaneously, FDA conducted extensive testing for contaminants like PFAS, phthalates, heavy metals, and pesticides. Kyle reported that early results show low levels, comparable to or better than EPA water standards. He emphasized that the U.S. infant formula supply is in good shape contamination-wise, but the process will tighten microbiological safety in light of past Cronobacter outbreaks. To stabilize the market post-2022 shortage, FDA allowed 13 foreign formulas from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand to be legally sold in the U.S., with FDA inspectors on-site overseas ensuring same standards. This dual push of nutrient update and contaminant transparency is framed as a major win for parents.

When asked what surprised him most, Cali described a toxic culture in Washington. His book and early advocacy were nonpartisan, embraced by Nancy Pelosi and progressive Democrats, but once Trump and Kennedy championed the issues, the media flipped. Articles focus exclusively on vaccines or raw milk, ignoring chronic disease work. He recounted a leading reporter telling him that the culture in the media is that destroying President Trump and Bobby Kennedy is more important than children's health. He also pointed to career bureaucrats who see themselves as protecting science against the administration. This division extends to Democrats who previously supported his work but now refuse to respond. Cali expressed frustration that these no-brainer 95% issues get zero bipartisan cooperation. He contrasted this with genuine floor-level wins achieved despite the headwinds.